DURHAM, NC – The North Carolina Central University Art Museum will present Embracing Diverse Voice: Ninety Years of African American Art. Through this exhibition the North Carolina Central University Art Museum will explore the diversity of experience and artistic expression among African American artists. Embracing Diverse Voices: Ninety Years of African-American Art explores diversity through painting, photography, sculpture, and prints.

The works in this exhibit demonstrate as wide a range of stylistic approaches and viewpoints as one would expect of any group of Americans. While some works offer a glimpse of an artist’s personal vision, others speak out as bold political and social calls to action. Common among these works—from James Van Der Zee’s Harlem Renaissance portraits counteracting mainstream stereotypes, to Faith Ringgold’s vision of historical, northbound journeys—is the complex, but fundamental, expression of identity. In this exhibition, we see individuals defining themselves through such varied factors as race, gender, culture, history, and social status.

We are very pleased to offer this exhibition to our community. It offers the opportunity to continue the preservation of the legacy of African-American culture through art by or about African Americans. This exhibition will enlighten and remind us of the rich, historic culture of the African Americans, while also remembering the struggles endured. It is hoped that this exhibition will encourage meaningful dialogue among the many different ethnic and racial groups that may enter the NCCU Art Museum during the display of this exhibition.

Hours of Operation

Embracing Diverse Voices: Ninety Years of African-American Art exhibition will be on display at the NCCU Art Museum October 15 – December 9, 2016. The hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm; Sunday 2 – 4 pm. It is free and open to the public. The NCCU Art Museum strives to make its facility accessible to everyone.

Embracing Diverse Voices is organized by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo, Michigan.